Native
People come from an Oral Narrative Tradition. Storytelling was a "sacred" process because it provided The People with social, cultural
and historical contexts. In other words, the oral narrative acted as a social cohesive for the entire
tribe and constituted the 'cultural grounding' of Indigenous people for
thousands of years.Speeches/Stories
were a crucial part of ceremonial occasions. Often long and complex, they
covered a variety of moods and issues thus constituting one of the most
important links in an oral tradition designed to pass on knowledge to
succeeding generations. There are a lot of similarities in story content
from tribe to tribe.

During celebrations, ceremonies and gatherings,
stories were shared among tribes; often even given as gifts much like
songs were given as gifts. The stories would then be revised according to
the region from which the tribe came. If, for example, a gift of a
story was given from the Plains to a coastal tribe, the creatures would
become water creatures as opposed to flat land creatures such as buffalo.
Also there are shared stories, for example, Great Flood stories such as
the Women Who Fell From the Sky is both Anishinaabe and Haudenaussaune. What follows are 'abridged' versions
some of which were originally quite long and intricate.

BEAVER -
STS'OOL

"I am the 'worker bee'
or carpenter of the animal
kingdom. My medicine is in tune with water and earth energy. I have a strong sense of family and home.
I also leaves itself plenty of escape routes from my home which is a lesson that
teaches you not to paint yourself into corners. Linear thinking does not always allow
for creativity. To not acknowledge alternatives is to 'dam' the flow of experience
in our lives. Honour the power of attaining a sense of achievement."

Story:Tsimshian legends tells of a woman who dammed
a stream to create a swimming pool to escape the constant nagging of her
husband because she was not seeing to her wifely duties. She was a dreamer
and preferred to be alone with them The more he
nagged the longer she remained in the pool until one day she became covered
with fur. Her heavy leather apron turned into a flat tail which she
slapped on the surface of the water as she dove.

BEAR

"I
am the power of introspection. I sit in the west on the medicine wheel. I
enter the dream lodge to digest the year's experiences. It is in the Dream
Lodge that my Ancestors advise me (and you) regarding alternative pathways
that will lead to your personal goals. Female Bear medicine, in particular,
is powerful medicine and also protects and helps to calm internal chatter so
that your path can be walked in knowing silence."

Story:In West Coast cultures, there are several legends
telling of a Chiefs daughter being abducted by a bear. The high ranking
woman had been out in the woods picking berries and stepped on some Bear
dung and began to curse out loud, insulting their cleanliness. Two Bears
nearby heard her and decided they would not tolerate such insolence. They
felt the disrespectful woman had to be punished. To do this, one Bear
transformed himself into a very handsome man who approached this woman, and
lured her to accompany him to his mountain home. When she did, she fell in
love with him and became partially Bear-like herself.

She later married him
and had twin cubs. Their children were born as little creatures that
resembled bears who could transform themselves into human form like their
father.

The woman's brothers
eventually found her and, in an unequal contest, killed her husband. They
returned to the village but the two bear sons did not feel comfortable and
eventually left to return to the forest. All Bear Clan members are descended
from this woman and her two sons.

Bear used to strut through the
forest showing of his beautiful, elegant and bushy tail. He told anyone
who would listen that he had the most beautiful tale of all the animals.
Fox tiring of all the vanity and boasting lured Bear out onto the ice
with the promise of a huge, fat salmon waiting for him to eat. Bear soon
grew bored waiting for the salmon to appear and fell asleep beside the
hole in the ice; Fox quickly stuck Bears tail in the ice; the ice froze.
The next morning Fox raced up to the sleeping bear and yelled in his ear
causing him to leap to his feet. Bears beautiful tail snapped off; that
is why to this day bear has a short tail. Ah, the folly of vanity!

BUFFALO
- TATANKA

"In the Lakhota tradition, it was white Buffalo
Calf Woman who brought the sacred pipe to the people and taught them to pray. All animals are sacred, but in
the Plains
Native traditions I (Tatanka in the Lakhota language) am the most sacred.
When I appear, it is a
sign of prayers being heard and a time to honour the sacred. Because I am
unselfish and willingly
give the bountiful gifts of my body, as a result, I provide for the highest good,
Did you know that I did not readily
run from hunters because I knew I would keep The People alive. In return for
this sacrifice, White Buffalo Calf woman told the
Lakhota to offer thanks to Wakan Tanka (Great Mystery) for the abundance of life
that I gave; to
share it with all races, and to take only what is needed."

"My
delicate beauty belies a powerful transformational energy
often akin to spiritual rebirth. I go through a number of phases before
I
emerge in my final breathtaking form. I spend much time with
the life-giving Element of Air (the mental power) as I move through
the stages of birth, development, changes of ideas and ways of
being. My final stage is the uniting of colour, joy and oneness
with the world. I have much experience
to share on how self-development and transformation can occur by using
gentle, non-intrusive and joyous energy instead of anything that is
considered shame-based. I am all about
healing."

Shoshone
Legendhas
caterpillar man dying leaving caterpillar woman grieving. She
grieved for a year until her Ancestors said that it was time to stop at
which point she was turned into a magnificent butterfly which brought
beauty, colour and grace to
the world. Women's Fancy Shawl
powwow dance reflects the teachings of butterfly and is
patterned after the movements of butterfly.

COYOTE
-GYIBAAW

"I am the great sacred
"medicine dog" and "culture hero" of the Plains; among other tribes. I have great
magical powers, but they do not always work in my favor. Unfortunately, my
own folly
sometimes fools me. It just shows that I am human and can teach you about your own foolishness.
I often cannot see the forest for the trees, or until the tree is lying
on top of me and I wonder how it got there? I help
humans to "lighten up" when the world becomes too serious.
Remember, if you cannot take ownership of your foibles and ideosyncracies
and laugh at
yourself, then living in a good way is lost; humour is half the battle.
I've often thought that I am a very misunderstood culture hero! I did
not create the world, just like my culture hero brothers like Raven and
Glooscap, I came to help organize it. Please do not call me a trickster,
it sounds malicious and I am not a malicious person, I was sent to help
the humans not hurt them!"

STORY:
(Kittitas
Legend) A long time ago, the animals decided to climb to the land of the stars
from the top of Huckleberry Mountain to find the secret of fire. When
they arrived, they found two sisters who had been kidnapped by the Star
people. When the help of the sisters, the animals made a long rope of
milkweed and thistle stalks and slid down to the earth. While each of
the animals tried to bring fire with them, every spark went out except
for one live coal which Beaver kept alive in his paw by fanning it with
his big flat tail. The animals were very happy to have obtained fire to
cook with and to keep them warm.

The fire was kept alive by the animals for a very long time. They
covered it every night with ashes and kept careful watch to make sure
that it did not go out. But after many moons had come and gone, the
animals became careless. One morning when they gotup and poked the
ashes, they could not find a single spark. They were very upset. Each
blamed the other for letting he fire go out.

They
scolded and argued with each other until wise old Bull Frog said, "Why
don't we select the best runners and ask them to run in the direction
the wind blew? If they
hurry, they may be able to catch the fire.
"Who
can run the fastest?" asked Mole.

Some animals believed Jack Rabbit was the fastest, while others believed
that it was Deer. In the hope he might be chosen to chase the fire,
Coyote began showing off to the other animals. Coyote was sleek and
muscular. The sun reflected off his smooth and
glossy coat. He was sure
that if anybody could catch the sparks from the fire, it would be him.
Then, without waiting for the other animals to ask him, Coyote took off
through the woods faster than the wind had ever blown. His big, bushy
tail could hardly keep up with him. After he had run for many miles,
Coyote became tired. His tongue hung out and the froth from his mouth
covered his sides but he kept running. Many hours later, Wildcat
happened along. Suddenly, he heard a faint noise and heard Coyote gasp
for breath. Wildcat walked toward the noise and saw Coyote. "Why are
you so tired?", asked Wildcat. "I'm trying to catch up with the last
sparks of fire", whispered Coyote, who was now only a shadow of his
former self and was limping along on three legs.

As soon as Wildcat learned what Coyote was after, he started to run
after the sparks. Coyote, with his last big of strength, caught Wildcat
by the tail and held him back. "Let go of my tail", cried Wildcat.
Coyote held on tight to the tail because he knew he was close to the
sparks and he wanted all the glory for himself. Wildcat saw a big spark
of fire just ahead. Coyote saw it too, but he was too exhausted to run
any further. He wound himself around a small tree and held on to
Wildcat's tail with all his might. Wildcat struggled hard and was able
to break free, but only by leaving his tail behind.

Wildcat caught up with the wind and snatched the spark of fire in his
mouth. When the fire burned him, he wrinkled his noise and turned up
his lips so he could place the spark between his teeth. He returned the
fire to the other animals and was a big hero. Ever since that day,
wildcats have had a bobtail and wrinkled nose. Coyotes have never
recovered their good looks for their shining fur. To this day, they are
as slim as shadows.

CRANE
- K'ASKOOS

"I am a symbol of leadership, solitude and
independence. I seldom speak for I prefer to be quiet, thoughtful,
watchful. My heart is acute, however and even though I am quiet I know
what is going on around me. In those rare moments when I do speak the world stops to listen for
mine is a voice worth hearing.
I choose my words carefully. I am not, in other words, someone who "waits to speak" but one who gathers together
all the relevant information before I make my views known. This is
hoe it worked for thousands of years in the tribes. I am
a much revered clan among the Anishinaabe people."

STORY:Puyallup (Washington) Legend)

A long
time ago, Crane was known by all the animals as a great fisherman,
although he was only able to catch fish in shallow water. Little Diver
was also skilled at catching fish, but did all her fishing in deep
water. Crane admired Little Diver, both for her fishing ability and for
her slim, glossy, and graceful neck. Crane fell in love with little
Diver and asked her to be his wife. Since Little Diver thought it would
be great fun to be Crane's wife and have him fish for her while she kept
house and enjoyed herself in the company of other birds, she consented
to marry him. Crane thought he and Little Diver would live happily
together. He believed that she would continue to dive after fish in deep
water, and he would continue to wade for fish in shallow water. This
would allow them to always have a good supply of food.

Arrangements were quickly made for the wedding. Birds from far and wide
were invited. After the marriage ceremony was over, a big dinner of many
varieties of fish was served. On the morning following the wedding,
Crane, as usual went fishing. He only caught enough fish for himself,
expecting his wife to catch her usual supply. Much to his surprise, his
wife went swimming instead of fishing. Before Crane left home the next
morning, she told him very plainly that it was the duty of a good
husband to provide food for his family and that she did not feel that it
would be necessary for her to help him. Poor Crane had to fish twice as
hard to catch enough for the two of them.

The
following morning, Crane's wife told him that one of her relatives would
be having dinner with them that evening. This meant that poor Crane had
to wade in deeper water and work three times as hard as he had ever done
before he was married. Worse still, his wife's relative did not leave
after dinner. A few days later, another relative of his wife came to
live with them. Crane said nothing about his increased responsibilities
and instead worked harder and harder. In order to catch more fish, Crane
had to fish in water so deep that he had to stand on his tiptoes while
he was fishing. To make matters worse, his wife's relatives continued to
arrive. They never helped him fish and greedily ate every morsel he
caught.

To catch
enough fish to feed such a big family, Crane needed to have longer legs
so he could wade into deeper water. He began to lengthen his legs by
pulling and stretching them as far as he could. As days passed, Crane
kept stretching his legs. They gradually became longer as well as bluer
from wading in such cold water. Finally, there was no flesh left on his
legs at all; they were nothing but long bones covered with scaly skin.
Crane has never been able to wade out far enough to catch enough fish
for is wife and her relatives. That is why, even today, Crane always has
such a forlorn and worried look.

DEER
- WAN

"I teach
you about the power of using gentleness
to touch the hearts and minds of yourselves and those around you. The old adage "you can catch more flies
with honey...."is very true. You do not need to push hard to get others to
change. Each person walks her own earth walk according to her own rhythms and that
is to be respected
and treated with dignity and kindness, warts and all. Use a gentle heart, and
approach people in a good way. Gentleness and a calm approach should
be at the centre of all you do as a father/mother,
wife/husband, sister/brother, niece/nephew, grandmother/grandfather,
staff member/manager. Most importantly be gentle with yourself and you will
remain connected to Great Mystery. I am very powerful medicine, use me
wisely."

CHEROKEE STORY:

In the beginning Deer had no
horns, but his head was smooth just like a doe's. He was a great runner.
Rabbit was a great
jumper, and the animals were curious to know which could go farther in the
same time. A race was decided and a large pair of antlers would go to the
winner.

On the day all the animals gathered
together for the great even. The antlers were laid on the ground to mark the starting point. While everybody was admiring the horns Rabbit said: "I don't know this part of the country; I want to take a
look to see where I am to
run."

They thought that all right, so Rabbit went into the
thicket, but he was gone so long that at last the animals suspected he must
be up to something. When Rabbit came out at last the animals
accused him of cheating, but he denied it until they went into the thicket
and found the cleared road. They agreed that Rabbit didn't deserve to race
Deer, and the horns were given to Deer who has worn them ever since.

They told the Rabbit that as he was so fond of cutting
down bushes he might do that for a living hereafter, and so he does to this
day.

Story:One day fawn
heard the soft, beckoning music calling her to
come.
Fawn was not aware that a huge ugly demon was guarding the pathway. Demon
did not want anyone making connections with their Ancestors, this way
Demon would be the powerful one because everyone would would be afraid.
Fawn was not at all afraid. Demon breathed hell-fire and brimstone trying
to frighten fawn. Instead she look at him with her huge loving and
compassionate eyes and eventually melted Demons heart who let her pass.

DOLPHIN

"I
am innocent,
playful, much like my cousin the seal. I am very devoted to my family and a fierce protector
when called to do. Humans are also my family and if you are in trouble when
in my domain I will try to help you. I am non-judgmental and have a
powerful way of changing negative energy to positive energy by just one
big, embracing grin. I come to you without criticism and without fear,
please
treat me with love and respect. I know who I am and stand in my own
truth joyfully while living life to the fullest. I am also the keeper of
dreams. Listen to my song and remember your forgotten dreams."

Story (Tsimshian):"A woman wandered listlessly to the edge of the
great water. She was a dreamer and unable to do much else. Her people
became impatient with her seeming lack of willingness to help in the day
to day life of the tribe and so she became an outcast. She had wandered
for many days before arriving at the edge of the world. Her clothes were
in rags, her hair tangled and she was starving. She found a little boat
made of cockle shells and slipped into it. The boat launched itself into
the big water and floated out to sea. Suddenly she heard clicking noises
and raised her tired eyes to look over the side of the boat. She looked
into a pair of the most amazing, sympathetic eyes she'd ever seen. "You
are one of us," Blue Dolphin said to her. "Come with me, your dreams are
safe in my world." Without fear she slipped over the side of the boat
and into the vast ocean where she was greeted by many blue dolphins and
for the first time she was blissfully, free and her dreams about
connectedness to the water, kindness and protection came into their
fullness and beauty.

DRAGONFLY - GYILATS'I'TS

"The Zuni people place
great store in the mystery and magic of me. I
symbolize whirlwind, swiftness and activity. My wings
are transparent suggesting that change can be an illusion.
In other words, if you remain stuck in your ways believing that
it is the right and safe route, you may be missing the wonders of
another way of thinking or being. I do not fly
in a rut, nor should you. Don't get caught up in the facade of
trying to prove yourself to your detractors. Never underestimate
what you inherently know, everybody knows something, and all
knowledge is valuable; believe in yourself. Take action,
the sanctity of who you are as a child of the universe depends
on it."

EAGLE
- XSGYIIK

"It
was the Haudenosaunee who first introduced the idea of me being the
Principle Messenger of Creator because I soar above your all,
sometimes out of sight, but never out of my own sight. Since then, it is now a universally accepted principle.
I fly the closest to Creator and, therefore, can see the big picture, past, present and future at a glance.
I alert you to the flow of changes so that you can
respond appropriately. I see and hear everything. I sit in the east
on the Medicine Wheel, the direction of wisdom and
guidance.

I
am
connectedboth
to both the Universe and to the Earth. I am a sacred symbol of courage; that is why
my
feathers are such powerful tools for healing, and why there are special
ceremonies for them. I teach you that it is okay to combine
wisdom and courage -- it is okay to be wise enough to know that a change
needs to be made in your life and then finding the courage to execute the
change. It is okay to gather your courage, for the universe presents you
with opportunities to soar above the mundane levels of life; the test is
the power to recognize opportunities. Do not, in other words, be
afraid of the unknown.

Embracing
wisdom and courage means to fly above life's difficulties and smell the
tobacco from the sacred pipes!"

ELK
- LIOON

"I am strength, agility,
freedom, power and nobility. These are powerful medicines and must be used
wisely with great compassion and intelligence. I am a quiet but strong
leader among my people. I do not use my size to intimate but to protect.
I do not take freedom for granted for I know that in a heartbeat it can
be taken from me. I appreciate and celebrate every day that I walk upon
Mother Earth and I will never bow my head before any conqueror."

Yakima
Story: A hunter killed a
great elk and stretched the skin to dry by driving wooden stakes through
it. Afterwards he threw the skin into the sky (Cassiopeia) where the light
above shines through the stake holes forming stars.

FACE MASKS
- AMIILK

"In the past, and with the renaissance of Native art in the 1960s, the
social and spiritual order of Native people on the northwest coast was
visually confirmed through elaborately carved face masks. I am considered
human and I was used in the great Pacific Northwest coast Feast ceremony. I
played an integral part in the singing, drumming and dance/drama
performances. I was used to depict different animals and fabulous
supernatural, mythical creatures. I am proud to be woven into the elaborate
and complicated stories of the northern B.C. people.

Mask on
the left is a Haida Shaman's Mask

Masks were used for a variety of
purposes: A humorous one like the one on the right might be used to encourage people to rejoin the
community after an extended period of grieving.

FOX - NAGATS'EE

"I am wily and clever. I am not very big, and
therefore must rely on other attributes to keep myself safe. I am one of
Mother Earth's original "street smart" family members. I am always able
to sniff out potential danger and then use the agility of my
intelligence to get myself out of trouble.
My great strength is my chameleon
appearance - beautiful red, silky fur that blends into the forest in the
spring, winter and fall, and then turning snowy white to vanish into the
whiteness of the winter months. My ability to quiet my inner
chatter in order to be watchful, and change colours by adapting quickly
makes me a natural protector of my family. I have the ability
to insinuate myself into any situation without drawing undue
attention. My Native two-legged cousins learned a lot by watching
how I blended into my environment, how I was able to outsmart enemies
more powerful than me. But watch out for because I am watching
you as I figure out your next move!"

FROG -
GANAW

"I may
not have the most attractive face in Mother Earth's album but I am very powerful
medicine. I combine the two elements of Earth and water and live
comfortably in each. I teach you how to honour your sadness and
cleanse your soul. All water rites, including initiation rites, belong to me
and as a result I have a special relationship with Grandmother Moon.
Each of you spent the first nine months living in water, it
prepared and soothed you for the challenges when you were born into the world. Water is something
each of you knows. I cleanse negativity from the environment and sing of
new life and harmony through my rain song. Give yourself space and time for new
ideas and to cleanse yourself from your own stresses, guilt, nervousness and
emptiness. Take a long hot bath and soothe yourself in the waters of my medicine.
Drink clean, fresh water everyday."

Story:
In
Tsimshian culture, the Frog is known as the communicator between Mother
Earth and humans. Frog is considered the only child to Mother Earth.There is a
story about Volcano Woman. Her only child, the Frog, saw evil men hunting
her earth creatures for pleasure rather than necessity. When the men noticed
Frog, they knew they would be found out so they killed him. Volcano Woman
erupted and destroyed the earth in her sorrow and fury. She cried great tears
of lava. The earth was destroyed but in time would be born again even
stronger and more fertile.

HAWK -
XTS'UUTSK

"Like Eagle,
I am a major messenger of Great Mystery.
My medicine comes through my shrill voice and I don't ask but demand that
youSee, Feel, HearandWatch in truthhow you are walking our earth walk.
Are you elevating the Earth Mother or are you tearing her heart? You must be connected to
Mother Earth and walk softly upon her. Although I cannot fly quite as
high as my brother, Eagle, I still bring messages including warnings
from the Ancestors. You must listen to your conscience and honour your
innermost feelings. They always understand about the right thing to do."

HOPI LEGEND

A long time ago, in a Hopi village, there
lived a littleboy. His
mother loved him so much that she dressed him in a pretty shirt and
embroidered moccasins. One day the boy wandered
away from the village, over the plain, and a band of Navaho
swooped down and carried him to their camp, where the women took his
shirt and moccasins and gave them to the Chief's son. The boy
was forced to work all day with little to eat; in a few weeks, he
grew thin and sick.

Now, near the Navaho camp a
kind-hearted Hawk lived on a high bluff. It often flew over the
camp, and saw the boy working hard, and never playing with the other
children. So one day, when all the Navahos were gathered together at
the Chief's lodge, the Hawk flew down and hovered over the boy's
head.

"Oh, do not kill me!" begged the boy.

"I am not going to hurt you," answered the Hawk,
"I am sorry for you. Jump on my back, and hold on to my wings, and
I'll carry you away."

The boy jumped on its back,
and held on tight, and Hawk passed over the place where the Navaho
were gathered; when they saw the boy on the back of the Hawk, they
were filled with rage and wonder.

Hawk flew the boy to safety and then went back
to the camp. It swooped down on the Chief's little son, and pulling
off his embroidered shirt and moccasins and carried them back to the
boy. The Navaho were terrified and quickly packed and left the camp. The Hawk dressed the boy, fed him on Rabbit-meat,
and other good things. After that it flew him back to his mother.
Then, without waiting to be thanked, Hawk flew back to its home.

HEDGEHOG

"A Greek poet named Archilochus
contrasted me with Fox in metaphor. He said that Fox knows many
things, but I know one great thing." Well, that's always
been enough
for me!

In other words, there are humans
who delight in trying to find an explanation for everything, and run
hither and yon trying to discover a wide range of explanatory tactics, it
helps with insecurity issues. I, on the other hand, use a strategy of trying to render
all the overt varieties of nature into one all encompassing truth. I am also called the
"American porcupine", but I was Hedgehog before I
was American! I am female medicine and teach about innocence and good will; although when threatened and backed into a
corner, I will come out quills blazing! Generally speaking, however, I
have
a pretty easy going personality and have a great interest in the world
around me."

HORSE
- GYUDAN

"I am Power,
Strength and Freedom. When I arrived on Turtle Island in the 17th
century, brought by the Spanish conquistadors, I quickly became esteemed and much coveted by the
tribes, particularly the Plains. One of me could replace a dozen
dogs, and made travel much easier. Once humans tamed me and
clambered up on my back, freedom and speed flooded their souls; new
and exciting journeys of discovery were underway. I bring strong
medicine in this regard. I am willing to accept the weight of humans
on my back; in return humans need to accept the weight of balance and
responsibility.

I am also a prey animal and this I understand about
myself. However, I do my best not to let others prey upon my good will
and kindness. I remind you that your earth walk is a loving, balanced
and harmonious totality, a complete circle of the medicine wheel. Wisdom
is power,but
remember, power is wisdom
and with it comes accountability. Compassion, love, sharing,
caring and giving freely that which has been given to you are the
benchmarks of my true power."

HUMMINGBIRD - K'OGIGAWS

"I exist only in the
western hemisphere. I love it here. Mayan legends explain that the reason
I am so tiny is because I was created out of the scraps of
feathers left over when other flying creatures were made. I like
that story and there is enough of me to be able to retrieve lost souls
because I can quickly fly undetected
into small spaces and bring back a soul. I am extremely
adaptable because I can hover, fly up, down, backwards,
forwards with great speed. Generally speaking I am quick thinker,
problem-solver and bring joy,
happiness, good luck and light to the world. I speak to the heart in all of
you
and tell you that a closed heart shuts away life's radiant energy and colour. Do not judge, assume, make
conjecture about others, rather, laugh, sing and celebrate differences.
In doing so you will elevate the world.

Legend says that
I
put the twinkle in the stars, and that if you catch me I will guarantee your choice of a mate."

Tsimshian (Pacific Northwest Coast) legend tells a story that I used to be a
small
girl and boy who, as they swam further away into deeper water laughed and jeered at their frightened mother standing
on shore. Raven took pity on the weeping mother and changed her
children into me; to this day my sad call is a cry to
come home.

I mate for life and my medicine teaches loyalty, caring,
close companionship and family. I share my life experience with you
through my song in the mists of each new day.
I have a vital role to play yet do not consider myself superior to anyone. I
am powerful medicine in times when negative perceptions and stereotypes
are emphasized.

The
Ojibwa call me "Mang" or "the most handsome of
birds." They thought my haunting cry was an omen of death. For
the most part, I am a bird of magical powers, in others a messenger or a
symbol of the power and strength of family."

THE LOON'S NECKLACE

On the bank of the Nicola river, in the Native
village of Shalus, there lived long ago an old blind man named Kilora.
Though he called himself a medicine man, he did little but dream, day in
and day out all the while sitting in front of his house basking in the
sun. His wife was impatient with him, snapping at him for his laziness
and refusal to help with procuring food and other supplies. "There are
other blind men in the world they have baskets to make, beads to polish
and twine to spin and you sit there grinning at the sun."

"When some poor sick person comes to you after ever
doctor within three days march has failed him you say. Take four sweat
baths, fast four days, pray to the four directions, Four of this and
four of that." His wife fumed. "Any fool can give that kind of advice and
get more for the giving of it."The Old Man did take any offense at his
wife's nagging, and continued to dream. Only one sound was certain to
rouse him, the cry of the Loon and when he heard it a strange
restlessnessness overcame him. He would fumble for his walking stick,
and grope his way up the trail toward the sound and Mammoth Lake.

Sometimes he would be gone for days. One year snow
and bitter winds ushered in the coldest winter the village had ever
known. The hunters returned with empty hands, and so it was day after
day they were unable to find food. The people were starving and the
women mourned their sobbing hungry children. Even the youngest and
strongest of the warriors returned empty handed.Famine threatened the village.

The chief and medicine men debated whether they
should send their young men to nearby Kamloops and Lillooet with
articles to trade for food. The next day Kilora warned that the wolves
were hungry and they would venture into the village and attack the
children. Everyone thought he was a crazy old man, including the village
idiot, and they all laughed at him, until at dusk they heard the howl of
the wolves and the cries of the children as they were attacked. Kilora
decided he had to use his magical powers to save the village.

He'd spent many days alone in his youth communing
with the spirits of nature. He dawned his dentalion shell necklace,
along with his magical bow and his sacred songs. He shot an arrow from
the magical bow at the wolves and it did not fail to find its mark. The
wolves did not come again and there was peace in the village.

When spring finally came, Kilora was determined to go
once more to the hilltop to seek his father, the loon. All day he
wandered listening for that stirring cry but hearing it not.

Still he set out on his quest. As he felt the glow of
the setting sun on his left cheek, he knew the little lake was ahead of
him. He was plagued by mosquito, startled by the harsh cry of the night
bird. The night winds swept the forest bringing a thunderstorm. Quickly
the storm was over and the pale moon sailed across the sky.

"Oh my father, the loon help me yet once again."

Father Loon floated over. "What is it that my son
desires?"

"I am blind my father, would that I could see."

"Climb upon my back."Kilora did as requested and loon dived
below the waters and swam swiftly and strong toward the far shore.

"Can you now see, my son?"

"Yes, I can see, but not as a man should see.
There is still a thick fog in front of my eyes."Four times the loon plunged down and swam
below the surface.

"Now I see, I can see!"Kilora gave thanks to his Father the Loon.
Nothing but the dearest of his treasures would suffice as a gift. He
drew of his collar of dentalion shells. He tossed it gently to the Loon
and it settled around his neck; a few of the shells broke free and
scattered across his back.As sure as it was day, the Loon received
his necklace.

"I
can be headstrong, unstoppable and ambitious. I also have longevity.
Therefore, to counter my sometimes aggressive style I also have in equal
portions integrity and an understanding of my own value and the value of
others. In the past it was thought that if respect were shown to
me, the hunt and hunter would be successful. This is true and it
is as a metaphor for how you should be treating each other. In
other words, there is nothing wrong with being confident, firm,
decisive, what makes these gifts magical is when they are combined with
compassionate leadership."

TSIMSHIAN
STORY:

Moose
was enraged because some of the other animals laughed at him. They
jeered and called him a mistake because, according to the clams before
they were moved to the beach, he looked like he was created from spare
parts left over from other animals. They thought him entirely too big,
too awkward and useless. Angrily, Moose vowed revenge and decided the
best way to get back at his tormentors was to cover up all the streams,
lakes and rivers so there was nothing to drink. The animals would then
have to beg him for help. He looked forward to walking away and ignoring
their pleas. He hid in the forest plotting how he was going to do it.
Raven, who had been watching him stomp through the forest in anger,
peered down from an overhead branch.

"I've
been listening to you Moose, do you think that revenge is going to help
you?" Raven fluffed his feathers and settled down for a chat.

"It
will make me feel better," Moose growled. "I cannot help how I look.
They have no right to laugh at me and make me feel ugly and useless.It is just not fair!"

"I
totally agree," responded Raven kindly. "You are just different. Let's
you and I make a list of everyone who is different. Hmmm, well, there's
me, and I'm totally unique! How about swan, deer, panther, wolf,
blackfish...."

"Okay,
okay." Moose interrupted. "But, you name animals who are sleek and
beautiful."

"Right.
Okay, how about opossum, or the yellow-bellied marmot or the star-nosed
mole, or the hagfish?" Moose frowned and looked thoughtful. "You know,"
continued Raven, "appearance is not the point, Moose. There is always
going to be someone who thinks that Panther is too scary, or Wolf is a
dangerous predator or Swan is boring because she doesn't speak, never
mind the size of Blackfish's teeth!"

Moose
looked a little chastened. "I guess you are right." He said slowly.

At that
moment, there was a cry of panic from the water. Raven and Moose raced
to the shore to see what was happening. Two baby Eagles had fallen from
a nearby nest into the water. With no thought to his own safety, Moose
plunged into the water and with his strong legs swam toward the crying
babies. He lowered his head so Raven could scoop them up and place the
chicks gently on his magnificent antlers. Slowly he swam back to shore
and returned the babies to their relieved and grateful mother. Those who
witnessed his heroic act surrounded him cheering for his brave deed. The
animals who were mean to him apologized, and to this day, Moose is known
for his unselfish attitude, quiet leadership and majestic appearance.

ABOUT
THE INDIGENOUS ORAL NARRATIVE: AN OVERVIEW

Father Sky
continued to turn (meaning as the years went by), more and more
technology has
entered our lives. My role as a keeper of sacred knowledge is beginning to fade.
The invention of the
printing press started the erosion of the oral narrative. Stories became words in books, but the
subtle nuances, understandings and knowledge were lost. They became
stand alone narratives and the connections to the culture from which
they originated was irretrievably severed.Moreover,
the Internet has shrunk the planet even more and people
can move around wherever they desire even to the most remote
places with the simple click of a mouse. Life has come a twenty word
tweet. Moreover, encroachment into unfamiliar territory
includes collecting and retelling cultural histories without a real understanding of
the culture from which the narratives come. And....we no longer have
the patience to sit quietly and listen to the truth.

Unfortunately, today the
modern teller is seen merely as an entertainer primarily for
children, who works for very little (expectation usually being no payment)
and simply recites words. A far cry from the once important person who had professional
status in the community.

As a chronicler of Indigenous culture, I am
reclaiming
the honour and professionalism as a cultural guardian
charged with the responsibility of being a powerful voice of change within the modern world. This
vital aspect risks being lost in the mists of time as the
world speeds up and our attention spans wane.

The true role of the
Narrator is to teach about our cultures cultures, morals, spirituality,
laws, and social values, that govern a community. Using the Oral Narrative
as the forum, knowledge, values and beliefs are passed to future
generations. Wilwilaaysk, All My Relations.